Namaste yogis! 

I've got some good news for you today, pretty soon I will be able to post new videos because I'll have a new camera! For now we are going to flash back to a video from last summer covering Shakti Kicks as well as forward jumps. These are some of my favorite things to incorporate into my classes (especially my 10:30 Hatha at the Zen Zone) and teach to my students. At first glance these jumps and kicks my seem intimidating, but if you allow yourself to tune deep within and really feel the postures you will be able to eventually float up finding strength in the core and land softly back down to earth.

Continue reading for the rest of this flash back post 

Namaste yogis!

As my camera has been broken for quite some time now (and I don't seem to have a ton of extra money to purchase a new one) I haven't been able to create any new videos for you guys for such a long time. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to review a video from the past year in this flash back blog post! 

One posture that seems to stump students again and again is Virabhradrasana III (aka Warrior 3). Each Thursday when I teach hot yoga at the Zen Zone, I spend a good amount of time getting into the deep details and benefits of practicing this posture with correct alignment and mind set. Today I will share with you this video along with the post from this Flash Back. 

Continue reading for benefits and flash back post

Namaste yogis! 

A few posts ago we began to tune into our entire core strength as an "all around" structure, rather than just the abdomen and obliques. We learned that:

"The anatomy of the core actually stretches much further in each direction of the torso. If you connect all of the muscles of the core together, you will find that it actually begins at the inner blade of the foot and runs up the inner calve and thigh. It then traces the region of the hip flexors, along the sides of the torso securely wrapping the "center core" -including the abdomen, obliques and lower back- and ends at the tongue. " - building "all around" core strength

Today we will continue our exploration of the core with preparation of handstands. Watch the video and then continue reading to learn more.

Namaste yogis!

When people hear the term "core strength" typically the first words that pop to mind are: abs, six pack, crunches, etc. When really these things only relate to the aesthetic form of the human body and the top layer of muscle that forms a portion of the torso. The next thing people think about is the torso itself - essentially the space between the hips and shoulders. This take us a bit closer to what the core consists of but not quite the full picture. 

When attending the Sadie Nardini Workshop this past October, one of the most valuable pieces of information I took from the session was the anatomy of the core. 

Continue reading to learn more

Namaste yogis! Something I have encountered with many people is an anxiety due to twisting. I'm not quite sure if it's worrying about becoming injured that makes them nervous, wanting to avoid something that could potentially be uncomfortable, or an unrealistic fear of twisting into a pretzel; but a lot of people are very weary about trying twisting postures.

My hopes are that the video tutorial I am sharing with you today, along with the pros of twisting postures, will help to reduce the fears of those "weary-twisters". Adding wraps, coils and twists into your practice will prove to benefit the human body, as well as the mind.

Watch the video then continue reading to learn about benefits of Twisting Postures 

Namaste yogis!  Today I am sharing a bit more of an advanced yoga flow with you, incorporating arm balance jump-backs, specifically scissor pose. Do not let this posture intimidate you. With practice and a bit of confidence, it is very possible to achieve an arm balance jump-back. 

Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II, or scissor pose, strengthens the arms and wrists while toning the spine and belly. This arm balance posture also helps one to find their balance point and gain confidence in their practice.  

Continue reading to learn more about scissor pose then watch the video and practice the flow

Namaste yogis! Last week I asked the question, "What type of yoga do you practice?" We found out that most people practice some type of Hatha yoga. I then promised to discuss different types of yoga over the next few weeks to enhance our knowledge and understanding of our personal practice. 

Today we will be discussing Vinyasa - a type of Hatha yoga - a favorite of many Americans. 

"Vinyasa yoga teaches us to cultivate an awareness that links each action to the next—on the mat and in our lives." -Shiva Rea

Continue reading to learn more about Vinyasa

Namaste yogis! Often times when people are asked, "what kind of yoga do you practice?" they reply, "you know...regular yoga." What is "regular" yoga? Most people don't even realize that there are many different kinds of yoga. Over the next few weeks or so, we are going to discuss different types of yoga to broaden our horizons and expand our knowledge of our own yoga practices. 

So...what kind of yoga DO you practice? Chances are that you practice a type of Hatha yoga.

What does Hatha mean, exactly?

Continue reading to learn more

Namaste! This is a completely NEW flow that will help to build strength in the core, shoulders and wrists; as well as finding balance and control of the posture in motion. We have practiced a few jumps before (foward and back jumps, shakti kicks, etc); in this video we will practice jumping back from an arm balance posture - crow pose. This flow is super fun and a great way to advance your personal practice.

Watch the video and practice the posture a few times before taking it into the flow itself.

Continue reading for full instructions

Namaste yogis! The Mala for Stop Child Trafficking Now is growing near, less than two weeks away! Now it is time to prepare, prepare, prepare. That being said I am going to suggest you watch the Sun Salutations video tutorial from a few weeks ago. You will notice that this is an advanced version, but if you are new or healing an injury, be SURE to modify the postures to the appropriate level for your body. 

After you watch the video continue reading to learn more about preparation for the Yoga Mala on August 13